A central Queensland pineapple grower says time is running out to stop imports that have the potential to destroy 40 per cent of Australia's crops.

Malaysian fruit has been approved for the Australian market, but the first shipments have been held up by production issues

Yeppoon grower Mick Cranny said some Asian pineapples have a disease which causes the fruit to rot from the inside.

He said the diseases has already affected the Hawaii market and it would be a disaster if it reached Australia.

"The gases build up internally and the fruit might even explode, but generally speaking it destroys the fruit and makes it inedible," Mr Cranny said.

"No treatment at all other than completely clear the paddock.

"You've obviously got to throw the fruit away that you can find but there is a two per-cent latency that's non-detectable and it's going to spread where ever it goes so there is no treatment.

"I think it would take us out completely."

Speaking on the issue during a debate in parliament last month, Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said the issue of "exploding" pineapples was one that threatened to engulf Queensland's $80 million fresh pineapple industry.

"According to the respected industry leaders we are in grave danger or becoming a nation of exploding pineapples," she said.

"This might sound slightly exaggerated and not the hallmark of a serious national issue ... but exploding pineapples could be the result if this nation does not listen to current warnings from our nation's key pineapple supply industry.

"The industry is concerned about a move to allow the importation into Australia of fresh pineapples from Malaysia.

"Let me make it clear. My comments today are not a racial slur designed to offend our friends in Malaysia or their pineapples."